Valve assembly



Jan. 1, 1946. 6.. T. DOWNEY I 2,392,234

VALVE AS S EMBLY Filed May 26, 1945 6 Sheets-Sheet l gwuc/ryhw GiTpdzz/ney G. T. DOWNEY VALVE ASSEMBLY I Jan. 1, 1946.

Filed May 26, 1943 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 vhw g;wmto o 6 Yip owns? Jan. 1, 1946.

(5. T1 [JCDVVPJETY VALVE ASSEMBLY Filed May 26, 1943 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 aZlDOwnay Jan. 1, 1946.

VALVE ASSEMBLY I Filed Mayv 26, 1943 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 \w I: 'IIIIIIIIIIA 55 4 I I I I I I I gimme/MM G. T. DOWNEY 2,392,234

Jan. 1, 1946. 5. T. DOWNEY 2,392,234

VALVE ASSEMBLY Filed May,26, 1943 6 Shets-Sheet 5 flZlDownay Jam. 1, 1946.-

G. T. DOWNEY VALVE ASSEMBLY 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed May 26, 1945 gunmen-kw afpowney Patented Jan. 1, 1946 George T. Downey, Corry, Pa., assignor to Aero Supply Mfg. Co. Inc., Corry, Pa.

Application May 26, 1943, Serial No. 488,604

Claims. (01. 251125) g This invention relates to an improved valve assembly including a valve seat and a spring-pressed valve member.

' An object of this invention is ,to provide an improved valve assembly which is moved to an open position by a rotary cam, the valve member bein provided with a cam engaging stem part which is slidable in guide grooves carried by the valve seat so as to hold the valve member against rotation.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved valve assembly which includes means whereby the valve member will be tilted when being moved to an open position so as to thereby reduce the pressure necessary to move the valve to open position.

A further object of this invention is to provide an improved assembly of this kind which is so constructed that it may be produced as a unit on an assembly line and then secured to the valve housing.

A further object of this invention is to provide a valve seat for an assembly of this'kind which may be formed as an element separate from the valve housing and then pressed into position.

A further object of this invention is to provide an improved valve structure which is formed as a separate unit, the valve structure includin a valve member of the tappet' type, a combined guide and spring retainer and a spring between the retainer and the valvemember for urging the valve member to a closed position.

A further object of this invention is to provide in' combination with a grooved valve seat, a tappet valve member, and a valve operator pivotally'secur-ed to the valve member, the operator being of U shape with the legs thereof slidable in the grooves of the seat, and with one leg longer than the other leg so that the valve member will be tilted or cracked open, the operator being formed with an arcuate inner or bight portion extending diametrically of the inner end of the valve seat and a wear element secured to the bight portion.

With the foregoing objects and others which may hereinafter appear, the invention consists of the novel construction, combination and arrangement of parts as will be more specifically referred to and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein are shown embodiments of the invention, but it is to be understood that changes, modifications and variations may be resorted to which fall within the scope of the invention as claimed.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a fragmentary sectional view of a valve structure embodying a valve assembly constructed according to an embodiment of this invention,

Figure 2 is a detail side elevation of the valve assembly in partly open position looking at right angles to the assembly shown in Figure 1, V

Figure 3 is a plan view of the valve seat, I

Figure 4 is an inner end elevation of the valve member with the yoke-shaped operator removed, -Figure 5 is a longitudinal section of a slightly modified form of this invention,

Figure 6 is a longitudinal section of another modification of this invention showing the valve member in open position,

Figure 7 is an inner end elevation of the valve member embodied in Figure 6, Figure 8 is a longitudinal section of a modified form of valve seat used with any one of the forms of valve assemblies herein disclosed, I I

Figure 9 is a detail side elevation partly broken away and in section of a further modification of this invention, v

Figure 10 isan outer end elevationof a further modified form of valve seat,

Figure 11 is a sectional view taken-on the line ll-Hbf Figure 1 and Y V a Figure 12 is a sectional view taken on the line vH!--l2 of Figure 10.

Figure 13 is a fragmentary sectional view of. a modification of the structure shown in Figure6, Figure 14 is a fragmentary sectional view taken on the line I l- M of Figure 13,

Figure 15 is a plan view partly in section of the valve seat'used shown in Figure 13,

Figure 16 is a sectional view taken on the line |6-l6 of Figure 15,

Figure 17 is a plan View of the ,bracket'for holding the valve structure in assembled position, Figure 18 is a detail side elevation partly broken away of the bracket, and

Figure 19 is a fragmentary plan view of the spider used with this form of the invention.

Referringto the drawings, and first to Figures 1 toe, the numeral 15 designates generally a valve housing having rotatable thereina cam shaft 16 on which'a valve operating cam 11 is secured by means of a securing pin 18.. The cam shaft l6 includes an outer extension I!) which is coupled to the shaft 16 by means of a splined coupling structure 20 so that any desired numbers of cam shafts may be coupled together in axially aligned position. I

The shaft I9 is journaled through a bearing boss 2| having roller bearings 22 therein, and the bearing boss 2| is formed with an inner flange 23 abutting against a housing 24 formed as a removable part of the valve housing 15. The

broken away and with the form housing part 24 is outwardly offset from a discsh'aped plate 25 which'is seated in a rabbet 26 carried by the housing .I-5. The plate 25' also includes an annular fiang'e'2'lseating in'a rabbet 28 carried by the cylindrical wall 29 of the outerhousing part 24. l

' able on the member 5a 7 tiortby meansot a spring lit! which engagesiabcut a L spider generallydesignated *as 91. The: valve member 59 includes' a valve plate i=2.- which: is

An index plate is mounted on the shaft I9 inwardly of the outer wall 3| of the housing member jzlandithe' plate 351s formed with. a a plurality of inwardlypfi'set detent's'32 in which balls 33 which engage in recesses 34 formed in The index plate 30 is provided with diametrically opposed the wall 3| are adapted to engage.

pairs of inwardly projecting tongues 35" which engage on opposite sides ofva pin-36 extending diametrically through the shaft IBi-"Fhe'pIate: 30 is also'formed with opposed. lugs 31 adjacent :the opposite ends of-the pin 36' which are adapted to limit the endwise movement of the pin 3fi..with respect tothe shaft l9 and the plate 30. The

plate 30 is"yield'aloly held in engagement with ithe balls" 33 by" means of" aspring 38 disposed about the shaft l9! and hearing at its outer end against a U-{shapedf member 39 which straddles the pin 36 and loosely engages at the bight thereof about the shaft t9; The-inner end of th spring 38.bearsagainst a'wa'sjheror collar 40 mounted Olffile shaft IS-and i's' held against inward movement by means of a'split retaining ring 4| engaging inv an annular groove 42 formed in the shaft I 9;

The cam l1 operates'irr a; central chamber 43 7 which is formed in theliousing [5" between the partition 25. andfa second partition or Wall 44. The chamber 43 is sea-ledto prevent fluid from I flowing into the housing Z tby means of a ringshaped sealing member 45 disposed about the shaft 19 .on the inner side of the pl ateor' wall 25. dcup shape'd sealretainer 48* is mounted on the shaft l9 and bears against the sealing member '45. A spring 41 bears atone endagainst the retainer 46 and at the other end against the cain'fl. Preferably-a washer 48fis interposed between the inner end of the spring 41 and the adjacent side of the cam I 1.

ing ring" 49 is mounted anannularwgroovec 50 formed in the flange il'liand is adapted to, seal the wall 25 with respect to the housing l5'and prevent any leakageof liquid from the chamber 43" about the outer surface .of the Wall 25 and the flange 21.- I I 7 1' The housing l5 includes vanan'nular: valve housing 5|. which communicates at" its inner end with'thehha mber 43'. The housing I5 is formed and the outer side of the valve plate or member 62.

A valve gasket or sealing: member B'Lof discshaped; construction is mounted'on the stem 64 inwardly of the valve plate 62 and is tightly held "against the inner side of the plate 62 by means .den'body' 1 lxso: that the; spider: body H with the spring: 611' will be. heldain. assembled position with respectto thervalvemember 59:.

' The inner endof the Spring. 5:8: is adapted to V engage inwardlyv of; the outwardly directed lugs An annular sealoutwardly extending arms:- 84; which'are. secured wi'tlr'an; opening-52? within which an annular valve seat 5 3 is adapted to be mounted. The

valve seat. 53 is pressed" or otherwiseflfirmlyr positioned in the recess or opening 52 so that. the valve seat 53 will be held against movement with respect to the housing I 5. The valve" seat 53 ainc'ludesa cylindrical'body 54 which-is formed at its outer end with an'annu'lar fiange55. The flange 55 'i'sxadapted toengage in a; recess ifi formed outwardly of the" opening 52. The" outer portion of the cylindrical" body 54 is also. formed witli' an annular recess 51, the purpose for which will'be hereinafter described. 7

A valve assembly generallydesignated as 58*is mounted in the valve housing 5! and includes a valve member" generally designated as59 'engageouter end of these'at 53. The valve is constantly urged to a closed posiformed on the outer marginal edges thereof with outwardly-directed tongues 63. The valveplate 62 has extendingzthrougfih the center 'thereoi-aa. valve stem 64 which is formed with a shoulder mounted on the stem 64 between the 34 3 55 An outer sealing: washer EE-is .valveassembly, general-lydesignated as 58a, 7

or tongues 63 which are formed integral with the valve: platerBZ. 'The. spider 1.1 also-includes" opposed pairs: of outwardly directed parallel arms M; which at? their" outer'ends are formed with right: angularl disposed arms 15. The arms-15 are. adapted: to bear against. the: inner end of a coupling housing 16 which is secnredtothefouter end. of the valve housing5 I- Theinner end? of the valve stem: 64- hasf'loosely coupled thereto ayoke-s'haped valve operator 11:. The: operator 11: includes? an inner, bight portion 78 formed with parallel outwardly directed arms 19 and 80 which slidably' engage: in. diametrically opposedgrooves or guide channels 81- formed in the valve seat mThe: inner-edge Of. the: bight portion tans formed on alongarca as indicated at? 82:,v the inner: edge: 82. in' the; present instance having-.mounted thereon; a, longitudinally arcuate weanplate 83.. The wear plate flaziis adapted; to

be engaged by-ithe' cam II: 'when the. cam H is rotated to a. valve openingcposition... The wear plate: 83; has formed integralitherewitha pair: of

by means of arivet185 tothe bight: 1:8. Thevarms 84.: 'also' include. offset outer portions 85: formed with elongated; openings 21-7; pin. 8.8 isextended through the inner. end portion of thestem- 6,4

and loosely engages in the. opposed elongated openings 8.! so that. the stem. 64 may have tilting jmovement: with respect. tothe operator 11 when the latter is moved. to a valve opening position.

Preferably, as shown in Figure 2 the arm, 19

of the operator 1''! is shorter in length than the arm 80 so that when the operator [1, is moved outwardly to a valve opening position, the longer leg 80 will initiall strike the inner side of the clamping plate 68 so as to thereby crack open the valve member 59 from one side thereof, and further outward movement of the operator 17' by the. cam (twill move. the "valvete' to. an open'position, with. the valve 59 still i'na tilted position. Referring now toli'igu're 5-, there is disclosed a which. similar in every detail to the valve assembly .58 with the exception that. the valve gasket or sealing member li'la is held tightly against: the valve plate- 62a. by means of a. clamp .ing plate, 68a which is formed. with an inwardly .ofiset, orccup-shaped central. portion. 39. The

central portion 89 is formed with an inwardly I .ofiset rib 90 and agrooveel is formed in therib so within which a split locking ring92 mounted on the valve stem 64a is adapted to engage. In

other respects, the valve assembly 58a is identical with that shown in Figures 1 and 2 and the detailed description of the assembly 58 with the exceptions above noted will apply to the assem bly-58a.

Referring now to Figures 6 and '1, there is disclosed another modified form of this invention which includes a valve assembly, generally designated as 93. The valve assembly 93 is disposed in an intake housing 94 or a valve housing struc-v ture 95 and is operated by means of a cam 96 mounted on a shaft similar to the shaft I6. A 'valve seat 91 is mounted in an opening 98 formed in the housing 95 and includes a cylindrical body 99 which is pressed into the opening 98 and may project inwardly into the central chamber I formed in the housing 95. 99 is formed at its outer end with an annular flange WI, and preferably the outer side I02 of 'the flange IN is angularly disposed so that the outer portion I03 of a substantially U-shaped The cylindrical body gasket or sealing member I04 will be tilted with the smaller portion thereof innermost.

The sealing member I04 includes a bight portion I05 engaging the outer edge of the flange 'IOI and an inner leg I06 which is shorter in length than the outer sealing leg I03. The sealing member I 04 is preferably of resilient construction so that it may be snapped over the a U-shaped valve operator I I I is adapted to slidably engage between the bifurcations of the stem IIO. The operator III includes an inner bight portion II2 formed with a convex inner edge II3 for engagement with the cam 96 and also includes parallel legs H4 and H5.

so that when the operator III is-moved outwardly to a valve opening position, the valve member I08 will be tilted, as shown in Figure 6,

initially cracking open the valve from one side thereof. 1 The bight portion II2 also includes an outwardly projecting lug II6 through which a pin II1 extends. Th pin III loosely engages in diametrically opposed elongated openings II8 which are formed in the stem H 0. A spring H9 is adapted to seat in the'outer'open side of the cup-shaped member I09 and is also adapted to engage a spider I20. The spider I20 includes a central body I2I formed with inwardly divergent arms I22, outwardly directed arms I23 and right angular extensions I24. The extensions I24 have outwardly directed extensions I25 which are adapted to bear against an annular flange or rib I26 formed in the housing 94.

A split locking ring I21 engaging in an annular groove I28 formed in the housing 94 bears against the outer portions of the extensions I25 to firmly lock the spider I20 within the housing 94. The

' valve seat 91 is formed'with a pair of diametrically opposed guide channels I29 within which the outer portions of the arms H4 and H5 are adapted to slidably engage.

Referring now to Figure 9, there is disclosed a further modified form of valve assembly which The le H4 is slightly shorter in length than the leg H5 and I45;

' end'with an annular flange is adapted to be mounted in a valve housing, similarto the housings hereinbefore described, and urged to a closing position by means of a conventional spring (not shown). The valve assembly shown in Figure 9 includes a valve plate I30 which is formed with a central opening I3I through which a valve stem I32is adapted to removably engage. The stem I32 at its outer end is formed with a head or annular flange I33 and the stem I32 is sealed with respect to the valve plate I30 by means of an annular sealing member I34 interposed between the head I33 and the outer side of the plate I30. I

A disc-shaped valve gasket I35 is mounted on the stem I32 on the inner side of the valve plate I30, and a disc-shaped clamping plate I36 mounted on the stem I32 bears against the inner face of the sealing member I35. The clamping plate I36 is substantially smaller in diameter than the diameter of the sealing member I35 so as to thereby provide a valve seat engaging portion-I31 outwardly of the marginal edge of the clamping plate I36. The clamping plate I36 is held in clamping position by means of a split locking ring I39 mounted in an annular groove I39 formed in the stem I32. The inner portion of the stem I32 is bifurcated to receive an outwardly projecting'lug I40 carried by a valve operator MI. The operator I4I includes an inner bight portion I42 formed with a convex cam engaging inner edge I43 and also includes outwardly directed parallel legs I44 The leg I44 is substantially shorter in length than the leg I45 so that when the operator MI is moved outwardly, the valve member will be tilted and cracked open from one side thereof and maintained in a tilted position when the valve is open. The lug I40 is formed with an elongated slot I46 through which a holding .pin I41 engaging through the inner portion of the stem I32 loosely engages. Referring now to Figure 8, there is disclosed a modified form of valve seat 53a which includes a cylindrical body 54a formed with a pair of opposed guide channels 8Ia. The body 54a has formed integral therewith an elongated annular flange 55a which is beveled, as at I49 at the inner end thereof. The outer portion of the flange 55a is formed with an. annular recess 51a within which the clamping plate of the valve assembly is adapted to loosely engage.

Referring now to Figures 10 to 12, there is disclosed another form ofvalve seat structure 91a which includes an annular body 99a provided with opposed guide channels I29a. The body 99a is formed with an enlarged outer body portion I49 and the body portion I49 is formed at its outer I50 having a tapered or beveled seat I5I. An annular recess I52 is formed in the outer portion of the body I49'within which the clamping plate of the valve structure is adapted to loosely engage.

In the use and operation of this'valve' assembly, the assembly 58 may be completely assembled as a unit before insertion in the housing. 5|. The spider (H is mounted on the stem 64 and locked.- thereon by means of the locking pin 13. The spring 60 is interposed between the outwardly directed arms '55 of the spider and the valve plate 62, engaging within the outwardlydirected lugs 63. In closed position the valve gasket 61 will be held firmly on the seat 53 by the spring 60, and at this time the valve stem 64 will be coaxial with the valve seat 53. When the cam shaft I6 is rotated to engage the cam I1 with the operator 11, the operator 11 will be moved outwardly and initial-n the-long leg flllfionmedsintegral withlthe operator" 11:. Willi contact. the; clampin plate .59

so; as: to: crack thereon.

p n" the raise: 5.9, from: one side outwardniovement of: the.- operator- 1:1

' willzbrnxg the shorter leg: Ht into contact with the: clamping: plate 6.8. at a: point? diametrically opposite the. point; ofv contact. of this plate by: the

longer leg; 81!: Thevalvermember 5.9. will thus be &4 toiswing laterally as: the valve member 59 is being: tiltedc. -The; novel: assembly of thegvalve member-which en a es within'which; the flan e 1151; isadaate.d..-;toz ea- -gagea; 1 11635 31121FEQ 'IS-fEJZmEQWithE-B annular lncludesrthe. late. 621,. stem 64;. gaskets 616.: andifilwith the: clamping plate 58; which: is locked by the/locking? ring; 1.0 permits. the. readyassembly ohthe' valve. member... In; the event; ofa. leak.-

a e between thevalve: gasket; 61' and-the; seat 53., a new-'gasket may be appliedzto the. valve; plate '51; by." uncoupling the. operator- 'IfI; and. then Open 'iiigthesplit. ring 1:0? to release the clampingplate 'llhe valve-z assemblyhereinabovedescribed. has been; designed particularly for usewith liquids,

such as: gasoline, oil or the; like; and by providing thalongrarciorr the: inner end. of the. operator I7 the'valve-zstructure isrmore: easily moved: to an opeirpositiom by-m'ea-ns of the cam I 1; Furthermore,. b;b'proiziding for the initial cracking open of the: valveififli the: spring 68 may" be; of lighter construction as when the: valve 59 is; in a closed position the. pressure on; the outer sidethereof will enact-with the spring Bilin holding; this; valve im a: sealed; position. I

' The initial cracking or tilting of the valve be=.-

I in'g' moved; toan open. position also eliminates considerable strain on the camv shaft: It; so; that Y a; smaller'torsi-onal strain. need be applied. to. the

. shaft It when'the valve'is moved to. an open p0.- sitiori. reduction or torsional strain is particularlyi-mportant when anurnber of these valve assemblies are embodied in a; single housing, be.-

. in'g di'spose'd in side by side. relation and operated from; a-common earn shaft. 7

Referring now'to Figures 13 to 19; inclusive, the

recess-I611 and the-seat I58 isle/1st).- named; wi h a pair of. lengthwise extend-ins gr ov s or; guid channels I68; with-in which. a; valve: operator I169 of U-shape construction is adapted to slidaibly engage. The operator I69; includes. at bight or innerportion H0. having; a convex: inner edge Ill. with: which the; cam. 56; is adapted to ena e; The operator 169 includes parallel legs. L1 2 and;v I13; are of. unequal. len th, v the; leg IL! 2- being shorterthanthe leg I13 7 A-. valve; member. generally designated. as I'M- is adaptedatorcngagcon the.- seat I 63 and: includesa substantially rrusto+conical valve body; H5. having. aflange or flared. base p rtion: H6; 1

.Ava'lve gasket; 01: sealing. member Ill which is .uvshancdz transver e s ctionis adaptedto; en;- comnassltheifiange H6. and he inner side MB; of

thegaskct. or theisealing; member I,'I'I isz adapted to; enga e on theseat I63; when the. valve.- m mbe from; the. valve member I14 and: is. secured; to the flat inner end I19: by means of a rivetor fastening member. I8 I which. engagesthrough the bight I-8-2- ofthe; stemiforming; member 580, p 1

' Theibight [10.- of the operator I-6I9iis iormedwith an elongated opening I83 through.- which a pin tfitfcarried by the opposite legs I85 0t tha-U: shaped member Hillis adapted toloosely engage.

The loose coupling formedbv the bifurcated stem I-8il andthe pin I84 permits the valve member FM" to tilt as it. isJbeing; moved from. its S at to an open ,position. Iii-the: present, instanceihe. outer ends of the legs: i112 and I131 are. rounded off, as indicated at I86 and. i813. respectively;

The valve member I14. is. constantly urged to a. closed positionby means of a spring L88. I'he inner end of the. spring; I81} seats in the hollow outer sideof the.- valve member I14; and the numeral I53 designates generally a valve. housing having a port IM and; an opening I555; coma municating theportgtfl with. the. inner portion 1 "of the housing' I53, A rotarycam. IE6 is disposed I in the. central fluid chamber I51? with which. the

opening I55 communicates. A valve'seat. t58'is I rIemova-bly mounted 'in the opening I55 and comfpr'ises'a cylindrical body Is59' formed with a re.- 7 Jduced: diameter inner portion. I'G'il. annular flange I IiIJis carried by the outer end of the body res" and a pair of oppositely facing straight grooves I 82- are out into the flange i6I, as. shown in Figure 15.

The outer side I63 of the body I59 forms the valveseat against which the movable. valve mendbet, to. be hereinafter described, is adapted. to

engage. The valve seat I58'is adapted to be sealed in the opening I55 by means of an annular ring 64 which is mounted in an annular groove. I65 formed in the (periphery of the body- I59 inwardly {from the flange I151. The annular groove. I65 is greater than a half circle in transverse. section so that the sealing ring I64; will be. compressed into the groove 'I 65 when theseat I58 is in operative position.

The. IE3 is formed with an annular shoulfder [66. at theiouter portion of the opening I55 outer-end, of the spring I88. seats. in a confronting cup-shaped spring seat I8,9., The, spring seat. [:89 is formed asan. integral part. of aspider generally designated 1:90,. The spider I 99uh'asan; opposed pairof. arms [9| which are. adapt d. to. engage on an annular fla go or shoulder 92. formed in the-- port i5 Iv outwardly-of the seat l5,8l., 'Ifhe spider I90 is also formed with ,a second opposed pair of arms I93 having the outer ends. thereof reduced as, at: I=9.4 to provide lug-sor keys, which are. adapted to engage in openings I954 formed in a pair of outwardly extending parallel arms 196.

The arms I86 are iormedin-tegral with arias orannlllar retaining; member I91 which is termed with opp ed, flat: portions 98 enga c c in. he grooves I562. The arms I96 hold the, spider I90 against movement relative. to the. seat I58 and thereby provide a means whereby the valve assembl-y will be, held in its assembled position tor insertion orremoval from. the. valve housin I53 A. coupling or'fitting I99- is adapted to engage in the outer end of theport I 54 and the. inner end or the. fitting I93 is adapted to abut against the outer ends of'the retainer: arms I 96.,

As; will be noted fromlig ure 13, the arms I91 and I93 of the spider. I599 are outwardly ofiset from the base or inner'side of the spring seat I89; The annular flange or shoulder. I92 which vis formed in the housing H3 is provided with a pair of opposed openings or slots- 200. within which the arms L96. are adapted to loosely engag The. operation. of the assem y show-n Figu e 13 to 19 inclusive is similar to the operation of the assembly shown in Figure 1. In other words, when the cam I56 is rotated to move the operator I69 outwardly, the operator I69 will slide outwardly in the guide channels I68 of the seat I58. Initially, the valve member I14 will be disposed flat on the seat I63 being held tightly thereon by the spring I88. When the long leg I13 contacts with the valve member I14, this member will be cracked open from one side thereof as hereinbefore described and continued outward movement of the operator I69 will bring the short leg I12 into engagement with the valve member I14 so that the latter will be moved to a completely open position when the valve member is tilted.

The provision of the U-shaped gasket or sealing member I" provides an improved means for renewal of the seal between the valve member I14 and the seat member I58. This assembly can be made as a unit apart from the housing I53 and readily inserted in tbeport I54 with the seat member I58 sealed wit in the opening I55 by means of the compressible seal member I54.

By using an improved seat member with a seal mounted in a groove between the inner and outer ends of the seat member the latter need not be tightly pressed into the valve opening I55 as is t e case with prior valve constructions.

What I claim is:

1. In combination, a housing, a valve seat in said housing formed with a pair of opposed guide channels, a tappet valve member engageable on said seat, said member including a head. and. a stem fixed to said head. and means loosely coupled to said stem, s idable in said channels and engageable with said head for tilting said head when the latter is moved to open position. said means being contained entirely within said housing.

2. In combination, a valve seat formed of a cylindrical body and a flange at one end thereof, said body having opposed longitudinal rooves, a gasket encompassing said flange, a valve member engageable against said gasket. and a U- shaped operator carried by said valve member and slidable in said grooves.

3. In combination, a valve seat formed of a cylindrical body and an annular flange at one end of said body, a valve gasket U-shaped in transverse section encompassing said flange, a valve member engageable on said gasket, a bifurcated stem carried by said valve member, a U-shaped operator loosely mounted between the bifurcations of said stem. said body having opposed lengthwise grooves in the inner side thereof and said operator having the legs thereof slidable in said grooves with the free ends thereof confronting the inner side of said valve member, and one leg of said operator being longer than the other leg whereby said valve member will be tilted when moved to an open position.

4. The combination set forth in claim 2 wherein the legs of said operator are adapted to contact with said valve member, and are of unequal length to thereby effect a tilting of said valve member when the latteris moved to open position.

5. In combination, a valve seat formed with a pair of guide channels, a tappet valve member engageable on said seat, said member including a head and a stem fixed to said head, a U-shaped valve operator having the opposite legs thereof slidable in said channels and adapted to contact said head, one of said legs being shorter than the other leg whereby upon movement of said operator to valve opening position said valve member will be tilted, and means loosely coupling said operator to said stem.

6. In combination, a valve seat formed with a pair of guide channels, a tappet valve member engageable on said seat, said member including a head and a stem fixed to saidhead, a U-shaped valve operator having the opposite legs thereof slidable in said channels and adapted to contact said head, one of said legs being shorter than the other leg whereby upon movement. of said operator to valve opening position said valve member will be tilted, means loosely coupling said operator to said stem, and a wear element carried by the edge opposite the legs of said operator.

'7. In combination, a housing, a valve seat in said housing formed with a pair of guide channels, a tappet valve member engageable on said seat, said member including a head and a stem fixed to said head, a U-shaped valve operator disposed entirely within said housing and having the opposite legs thereof slidable in said channels and adapted to contact said head, one of said legs being shorter than the other leg whereby upon movement of said operator to valve opening position said valve member will be tilted, the bight of said operator having a convex inner edge, and means coupling said operator to said stem whereby said operator may have slight endwise move; ment independent of said valve member to thereby assure initial engagement of the longer leg of said operator with said valve member for effecting an initial tilting of the latter.

8. A valve asembly comprising a valve member formed of a head, a stem extending from opposite sides of said head, means rockably carried by one end of said stem and engageable with an operator for efiecting a tilting of said head upon movement of the latter to open position, a spider loosely carried by the opposite end of said stem and engageable with a stationary part, and a spring interposed between said spider and said head for normally urging said head to seat engaging position.

9. In combination, a valve seat formed of a cylindrical body and a flange at one end thereof, said body having opposed longitudinal grooves, a gasket encompassing said flange, a valve member engageable against said gasket, and a U- shaped operator carried by said valve member and slidable in said grooves, the legs of said operator adapted to contact said valve -member, said operator having one leg thereof longer than the other leg whereby said valve member will be tilted upon movement of the latter to open position.

10. In combination, a seat, a valve member engageable on said seat comprising a disc-shaped body formed with a frusto-conical central portion on the seat engageable side of said discshaped body, a bifurcated stem carried by the truncated portion. of said central portion, and a U-shaped operator loosely coupled to said stem and having the legs thereof adapted to contact said disc-shaped body, the opposed legs of said operator being disposed outwardly of said central body portion, and one leg of said operator being longer than the other leg whereby said valve member will be tilted upon movement to open position.

GEORGE T. DOWNEY. 

